Róisín Shortall
Question:170 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of female apprentices; and her plans to bring about greater gender balance in this regard. [22997/01]
Written Answers. - Gender Balance.
One hundred and twelve female apprentices are registered with FÁS in the standards based apprenticeship system at this time. This compares with 24,885 male apprentices currently registered with FÁS and indicates that the relative level of female participation continues to be very low.
Apprentice recruitment is the function of employers. FÁS, as the body with overall responsibility for the apprenticeship system, cannot therefore dictate the numbers of men and women recruited. However, FÁS is proactive in encouraging greater female participation in apprenticeship by offering a bursary of £2,100 to employers on behalf of each female apprentice recruited.
In addition, FÁS staff regularly visits secondary schools where they outline training options, including apprenticeship training, to all students, male and female.
The board of FÁS has recently reconvened the National Apprenticeship Committee to advise it on a range of issues in relation to apprenticeship. The committee's terms of reference specifically provide for it to advise on approaches needed to encourage more equality of access to, and participation in, apprenticeship. I am bringing the Deputy's concerns to the attention of the committee in that regard.